Design procedures for millimetre wave MMIC voltage controlled oscillators [using pHEMTs]

A design procedure for millimetre wave MMIC VCOs is presented. The design uses a hierarchical breakdown of the sections of the oscillator and highlights components that should remain fixed and components which can be used to vary the oscillator performance. The method also demonstrates the use of contours of the simulated small signal conductance which are shown to be an excellent starting point for the design.